Can you use Hemlock wood outside?
Don't use either hemlock species outdoors without preservative treatment. The construction industry now frames, sheathes, and floors with hemlock. Mills turn the wood into windows, frame-and-panel doors, moldings, and paneling. Due to its strength and wear-resistance, hemlock also becomes reliable ladders and stair components.
How big does a hemlock tree get?
Growing to greater size than its eastern relative--which only becomes 80' tall and 36" in diameter in 250 years—western hemlock represents one of the lumber industry's few remaining sources of large, clear timber. Trees 100 years old can be 150' tall with a 24" diameter.
Do hemlock trees get harder with age?
In fact, this softwood actually grows harder with age! Botanist Stephen L. Endlicher in 1847 christened hemlock with the genus name tsuga. The Japanese word means "yew-leaved," referring to its short, flat, and contrary to legend, non-poisonous needles.
What is hemlock bark?
The softwood that toughens up with age During the last century the bark of hemlock was sometimes worth more than the wood. The leather-tanning and fur-processing industries demanded hemlock bark for its high tannic acid content. Hides and skins infused with a tannic-acid solution become soft and strong.
Is hemlock good for outdoor use?
It's popular both for indoor and outdoor projects thanks to its ability to hold paint and glue very well and deter pests because of its natural smells. It is resistant to shrinkage and can have a longer lifespan because it's less prone to splinting or even cracking.
How long will hemlock siding last?
Under normal conditions you should expect a service life of 25+ years with thermally modified hemlock. Whether you are installing your siding in a traditional ship lap or tongue and groove (T&G) profile, or prefer a rainscreen siding design and installation, both species are very good options to consider.
How do I waterproof my hemlock?
Seal the hemlock by brushing on a coat of polyurethane. Allow this to harden for roughly eight hours before applying at least one more coat.
Is hemlock a good structural wood?
If you're shocked by skyrocketing lumber prices, you might consider underutilized Maine hemlock for your next project. Hemlock's strength and durability have long made it the material of choice for building garages, sheds and barns.
Is hemlock resistant to rotting?
Although the US Forestry Service, as stated above, doesn't see Eastern Hemlock as a particularly strong or rot resistant, it is the local “go to” wood for a number of uses. It is much stronger and harder than pine. It is used as cribbing (jacking timbers) and in situations requiring high strength.
What is better hemlock or cedar?
Both Hemlock and Cedar are durable, sturdy, and lightweight. Hemlock is more expensive than Cedar, but Cedar is more durable. Hemlock looks better due to its attractive color, but it's more prone to decay and insect issues.
Does hemlock wood need to be treated?
Don't use either hemlock species outdoors without preservative treatment. The construction industry now frames, sheathes, and floors with hemlock. Mills turn the wood into windows, frame-and-panel doors, moldings, and paneling.
Does hemlock need to be stained?
Hemlock is used for many construction and craft projects, from flooring to furniture. Hemlock sands well and accepts wood stain, but as a softwood, it requires special care to ward off blotchiness and grain reversal.
Is hemlock wood water resistant?
Uses of Hemlock Lumber Many are now using it for furniture making and flooring. This is due to its stability and water resistant properties.
Can you build a house with hemlock?
Hemlock is a good building material because it is light and strong. It is widely used for framings and sub-floors, as well as for roofing and sheathing. It can also be used for indoor features like shutters, banisters, and stairs. Hemlock is a softwood common in North America.
Does hemlock split easily?
Hemlock starts easily and splits easily making it a good choice for kindling. However, it does not leave behind large coals which could be an issue if you're looking for an overnight burn.
How much is a hemlock tree worth?
Standing hemlock timber usually sells for around $5-$10 a ton, which translates to around $10-$20 a tree.
Does hemlock make good siding?
I found that hemlock is more resistant to this mold. It's also harder and more rot resistant. It is nowhere near as rot resistant as cedar, a more common siding material however.
What is the longest lasting house siding?
Vinyl siding is a popular choice when it comes to your home's cladding and actually lasts much longer than expected. With no effort or cleaning, it's expected to last you about 60 years but with meticulous care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl siding to last up to 100 years.
What is the average lifespan of siding?
Quality vinyl siding may last several decades, depending on its quality and the climate. Wood siding may last from 15 to 40 years but requires a lot of maintenance. Aluminum siding may last up to 30 years with basic maintenance (and you'll probably have to repaint it at some point).
Is hemlock good for barn siding?
Hemlock is a great alternative to pine or cedar as it does not contain extractives and is therefore not prone to bleeding. The smooth side provides an excellent surface for painting and the rough side accepts stain exceptionally well.
How big is a hemlock tree?
Trees 100 years old can be 150' tall with a 24" diameter.
How much does hemlock weigh?
The wood of western hemlock weighs more (about 29 pounds per cubic foot, dry) than that of its eastern relative. Western hemlock also is harder, stronger, straighter-grained, and resin-free. You can work hemlock easily with hand or power tools. In crosscutting, however, expect some tearout.
What is hemlock bark?
Hemlock. The softwood that toughens up with age. During the last century the bark of hemlock was sometimes worth more than the wood. The leather-tanning and fur-processing industries demanded hemlock bark for its high tannic acid content. Hides and skins infused with a tannic-acid solution become soft and strong.
What color is the bark of a hemlock tree?
The bark of both hemlock species appears cinnamon-red to brown in color and has broad, deep ridges. Seed-bearing brown cones sprout at the ends of branch shoots.
Where does Eastern Hemlock grow?
The Japanese word means "yew-leaved," referring to its short, flat, and contrary to legend, non-poisonous needles. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) plants its roots from Canada south to Georgia and west across the Great Lakes states to Minnesota.
Where does hemlock lumber come from?
And then the eastern hemlock's West Coast cousin provided the raw material. Today hemlock lumber from Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (where the species represents 60 percent of the mature coastal forest) feeds home construction and millwork manufacturers.
Where is hemlock found?
Vast logging operations on the Pacific Northwest coast keep hemlock widely available in the West and Midwest. On the East Coast, even availability of local hemlock is spotty.
